Daily Briefs

Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan elect new leader

Elizabeth A. LaCosse of Marquette has been elected president of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan. LaCosse has been part of CDAM’s leadership for more than eight years.

Said LaCosse, “Decades of work and dedication by many people has culminated in significant changes in indigent criminal defense. While our work in indigent defense is vital, we will continue to offer all of Michigan’s criminal defense attorneys top-notch education, networking opportunities, and mentoring to our newer members. Our hard work in Lansing will also remain steadfast as we uphold the Constitution and provide a voice for those accused of a crime.”

William Swor (Detroit) was re-elected District 1 Representative, while Takura Nyamfukudza (Lansing) was elected District 2 Representative and Patrick Cherry (Cadillac) was chosen as District 3 Representative. CDAM is Michigan’s leading criminal defense organization whose mission is to promote expertise in criminal law; to educate the bench, bar and public of the need for quality and integrity in defense services and representation; and to promote enlightened thought-concerning alternatives to the present criminal justice system.

Michigan Senate OKs confidential address program for victims

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Victims of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault could ask the state to classify their residential address as confidential under legislation advancing in Michigan.

The state Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed a seven-bill package to create an address confidentiality program in the attorney general’s office.

Victims could have a state mailing address. An agency would forward mail from a post office box to their physical residence.

Supporters say the legislation is needed because victims forced to move to stay safe are still found by the perpetrator with public available information such as voting records or driver’s license registries.